Thursday, February 28, 2013

EDITORIAL
POSTAL CRUSADER: MARCH-2013

STRIKE IS OVER, BUT THE STRUGGLE WILL
CONTINUE.

WE ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH

The two
days historic strike that shook the country is over. About twelve crores
workers participated in the strike. About ten lakhs Central Government
employees including five lakhs postal and RMS employees joined the mass upsurge
of the Indian working class. In many states the strike turned into total bundh
and in other parts of the country also it affected all the sectors of industry
and other service sectors. The total unity and commitment exhibited by the
entire trade unions has no parallel in the history of our country.

The Central Government tried to
ignore or underestimate the strike in the initial stage. But the largest mobilistaion
of the workers throughout the length and breadth of the country, compelled the
Government to negotiate with the leaders at last minute. The first round
discussion held with the cabinet Minister for labour, Sri Mallikarjun Kharge
and second round discussion with the Group of Cabinet Ministers headed by Sri.
A. K. Antony, Defence Minister, failed as the Government simply sought more
time and was not ready to settle any of the demands raised by the unions and
appealed the leaders to call off the strike. The Secretary, Department of Posts
also made a similar appeal to call off the strike, even when the main demands
raised by the Postal JCA (NFPE & FNPO) remained unsettled.

In addition to the demands raised by
the Central Trade Unions, the Confederation of Central Government Employees
& Workers and the Postal JCA has raised the demands of constitution of
seventh Central Pay Commission, merger of 50% DA with pay, removing the
restriction on compassionate appointments, filing up of all vacant posts,
Departmentalization of GDS and related issues, Revision of wages of casual
labourers and regularization, scrapping of PFRDA bill, raising the bonus
ceiling limit, grant of five promotions, OTA revision, abolition of posts,
outsourcing, contractorisation, privatization, cadre restructuring etc. also in
the strike notice served to the Government and the Department of Posts.
Government was not ready to settle any of the above demands and hence the
question of calling off the strike did not arise at all.

In the Postal the strike was
conducted under the banner of Joint council of action (JCA) comprising NFPE
& FNPO. The Strike was near total in majority of the circles and about 60
to 80% in the remaining circles. The entire Postal and RMS services were
paralysed for two days. Both Departmental employees and Gramin Dak Sevaks
exhibited perfect unity in the strike. NFPE and its affiliated unions including
GDS had already conducted a one day strike on 12th December 2012.
Naturally, there was apprehension about successfully organizing two days strike
within a short span of two months. But the mass scale participation of the
employees in the two days strike proved that workers are ready even for still
higher form of action, if the Government is not ready to settle their genuine
and legitimate demands.

What next is the question before us
and working class of our country. Even though the two days strike is over, we
have no other go, except carrying forward the struggle with added vigour taking
inspiration from the mass sanction and determination of the workers at large.
There is no short cut. As correctly pointed out by Late Com. K. G. Bose who
revolutionized the P&T Trade union movement- “the organized trade union movement has drawn lessons that all
illusions about the Government policies should be given up and has come to the
conclusion that it is not a question of appealing to the sense of injustices of
the Government, but the relative strength of the organized movement and the
forces combating it, which will decide their future”.

The Government and the ruling class
will try their best to implement their policies by retaining the power and
their supremacy over the people of the country and working class. But history
has taught us that they cannot continue their anti-people, anti-worker policies
forever. A day will come and the balance of power will definitely change in
favour of the toiling masses of this country and the ruling class and their
neoliberal policies will be thrown to the dustbin of history and an alternative
force with alternative policies shall emerge defeating the policies of the
present day ruling class. The alternative policy will never be the imperialist
globalization polices. It will be a policy which will lead us to the path of
socialism. That day shall come, no sooner than later. Such a change is not
easy. We have to suffer and be ready for bigger sacrifices. NFPE is committed
to this task.

The power-that-be should not be under
the illusions that the working class will not go for another strike in the near
future. They should clearly understand that-“the fire that is burning with
flames and the fire that is burning beneath the ashes, are both fire”. The fire
beneath the ashes may burst out at any time again as a wild fire. The growing
anger, protest and discontentment among the common people and workers may burst
out at any time. No Government on earth can withstand such a mass upsurge of
the common people and the toiling masses. Government should take note of the
writings on the wall. Brutal killing of the workers, severe victimizations and
using the force to suppress the protest, may not succeed.

Comrades, the path before us is not
full of roses, but full of obstacles and of sufferings. But we are sure that at
the end of the tunnel, there will be light. If winter comes, can they prevent
the onset of the spring? Let us move forward unitedly with the working class of
our country and let us loudly proclaim without any hesitation that –“We are on the
right path”.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

CIRCULAR OF
CONFEDERATION ON STRIKE AND SCOVA MEETING

Circular No. Conf/23/2013 Dated: 25.2.2013

Dear Comrade,

The 48 hour two day General Strike

The two days strike, for which the call was given by the Joint Platform of Trade Unions in the country through the National Convention held at New Delhi on 4th September, 2012 was a tremendous success. Not only the workers in the country but also common people supported the strike action in many States. It is estimated by the Central Trade Unions that more than 10 crore workers might have participated in the strike. In other words more than 50 crore people of the country supported the action. The overwhelming response in the mightiest strike action ever of the Indian working Class is indicative of the growing anger against the economic policies pursued by the Government. There had been constant and continuous increase in the prices of basic needs of the common people i.e. food items, gas, diesel, gas, coal electricity etc. in the last two years. The inflation in the economy continued unabated despite the assurance held out by the rulers, as a matter of course. to contain it.

Every decision of the UPA II Government has fuelled the inflation in the economy and consequent rise in prices of all essential commodities. Despite the lathi charge and arrest of the workers in certain parts of the country, the strike had been by far peaceful. Leader of the Haryana Roadways Corporation affiliated to AITUC was killed in Ambala Transport Depot in a tragic incident when the Transport authorities decided to take a bus from the depot against the opposition of the workers. Most of the State Governments especially the TMC led West Bengal State Govt. Did their best to suppress the strike action without success.

All vital sectors viz. Bank, Insurance, Central and State Government offices, Industrial Establishments, Ports and Docks, Surface Transport except Railways and Airlines, Power etc. remained paralysed. The Central Government employees on the call of the Confederation of CGE and workers responded magnificently. There had been apprehension of the extent of participation in the two day strike action especially after the one day strike on 12.12.2012 on the 15 point charter of demands. The report we have received at the CHQ proves that the apprehension was totally misplaced and the number of employees who participated in the 20th and 21st Feb. 2013 was more than we could elicit on 12thDecember. 2012. No doubt in some of the organisation, the strike participation on comparison with 12th December, was less. But this has been more than made up by the other organisation who could improve their position of participation on 20th and 21st. We append hereunder the Press Statement we issued on 21st Feb. on the basis of the reports we have received through telephone and SMS.

The unprecedented participation of workers in the strike had been the manifestation of the people's resentment to the economic policies of the Government which has virtually made the poor poorer and the rich richer. They have asserted in no uncertain terms that these policies must be reversed at all cost for India to remain a sovereign republic. The recent decisions of the Government to allow FDI in Pension, and increase FDI foray in the Banking and Insurance Sector will bring back the country to serfdom. The struggle will have to continue and the campaign against the policies must pick up further momentum in the months to come.

There had been continuous propaganda by the Government through electronic media that the Government employees do not have the right to strike and not only "dies non" but disciplinary action will also be taken against the striking employees. It has been proved on a number of occasions that the vindictive actions will be resorted to by the Government when the unity is disrupted and the strike participation for one reason or other dwindle. The greatest safeguard against such barbarous and vindictive actions is to preserve our unity and determination and tread the path of struggle with cent per cent participation. Campaign amongst the mass of the employees to bring home the pernicious impact of the economic policies in the day to day life and standard of living is a pre-requisite for the success of the strike action. Wherever, this has been done, it has paid rich dividends.

We must review the two day strike action as soon as possible. Since the Conference of the Confederation is due in the month of April, it may not be possible to convene the National Executive meeting immediately. We are planning to meet in the Sectt. and in order to enable us to conduct a proper review, we need the following information both from the State Committees and the Central HQrs of the affiliated Association. The format is given in the annexure to this communication. Kindly ensure that the reports are sent to us by 10th March, 2013.

With greetings and once again conveying our sincere gratitude and congratulations to all the affiliates, State Committees and the Active workers and leaders who made the strike a magnificent success.

Yours fraternally,

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General

Annexure

Format for sending report

A.For State Committees.

(a)Name of the State.

(b)Name of the Association/Federations which participated in the strike with percentage of participation.

(c)Name of the Association/Federation which did not take part in the strike.

(d)Name of the organisations which participated in the strike despite the call from their CHQ.

(e)Name of the stations visited by the leaders as part of the campaign.

B.For affiliates.

(a) Name of the Federation/All India Association.

(b) Number of Units/Bramches

(c) Name of the Unit/Branch which participated in the strike.

(d) Name of the Units.\/brnaches which did not take part in the strike.

(e) Specific reasons advanced by the Units for non participation

(f) Name of the Units visited by the leaders

SCOVA MEETING

The 22nd meeting of SCOVA was held at New Delhi on 19th February, 2013. On behalf of the JCM. Staff Side, the Secretary, Com. Umraomal Purohit accompanied by Com. S.K. Vyas, President, Confederation of CGE and workers attended the meeting. The outcome of discussion at the meeting is briefly reported in the Confederation Circular. Please find th Circular by clicking the link below:

Saturday, February 23, 2013

REVISION OF PPO OF PRE-2006
PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS - (I) EVEN IF AGE/DATE OF BIRTH OF SPOUSE IS NOT
AVAILABLE, (II) MODEL ADVERTISEMENT FOR USE BY MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS.(Click the link below
for details)

The postal
department plans to enter the banking business with the Reserve Bank of India
deciding to grant new bank licences to entities with credible track-record.

Consultant appointed

Sources said the Department of Posts, which has a strong foot
print in rural areas, has appointed Ernst and Young (E&Y) as the consultant
for the proposed ‘Post Bank’

“Ernst and Young is expected to submit a detailed project report
by April, after which all the necessary measures will be taken up to apply for
banking licence,” a source at the Ministry of Communications and Information
Technology told PTI.

The sources added that the Department of Post (DoP) might need
Cabinet approval for setting up Post Bank of India.

Of the 1.55 lakh post offices in the country, around 24,000
district offices may be ready to offer banking services in the next two years.

The DoP is in process of setting up 1,000 ATMs.

“Post Bank shall not only take care of the banking needs of the
rural poor but shall also converge with micro-insurance and micro-remittance
services of the DoP,” the source said.

As per data shared with Parliament, there were over 26 crore
operational small savings accounts in post offices as on March 31, 2012, having
deposits worth Rs.1.9 lakh crore.

Subject: Engagement of workers through Contractors by the
Ministries and Departments of Central Government.

It has been noticed in the recent past that a large number of
workers are being engaged on contract by various central Government Ministries
and Departments. Parliament Questions have been received in this regard apart
from various complaints relating to non-compliance of various provisions of
law. These include wages and social security benefits flowing out of various
legislations.

Similarly in cases where the workmen employed by the contractor
perform the same or similar kind of work as the workmen directly employed by
the principal employer of the establishment, the wage rates, holidays, hours of
work and other conditions of service of the workmen of the shall be the same as
applicable to the workmen directly employed by the principal employer of the
establishment on the same or similar kind of work.

You may be aware that Government has enacted. the Contract
Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 and central rules made

Section 24 Other offences.—If any person contravenes any of the
provisions of this Act or any rules made thereunder for which no other penalty
is elsewhere provided, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand
rupees, or with both. .provide penalty for contravention of other offences
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

It is also noticed that some establishments are engaging
contract workers in the employments which have been prohibited under section 10
of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. Some principal
employers and contractors are violating the provisions of Act & Rules.

In view of above, the employing departments are hereby notified
to ensure the compliance of the provisions of the Act & Rules in all
establishments including PSUs under them.

sd/-

(B.K
Sanwariya)

Chief Labour
Commissioner (C)

SIMPLIFICATION OF PENSION PROCEDURE - AMENDMENT IN PARA 15
AND PARA 16 OF “SCHEME FOR PAYMENT OF PENSIONS TO CENTRAL GOVT. CIVIL
PENSIONERS BY AUTHORISED BANK".

Attention is invited to the provisions contained in paras
15 and 16 of the Scheme Booklet regarding submission of life & other
certificates and inter bank / intra bank transfer of pension Account.

2.
Keeping in view the need to make
the process of submission of certificates user friendly and in line with the
technological advancement in the banking industry, it has been decided to allow
pensioner/family pensioner to submit the life certificate as well as other
certificates to any branch of the Bank through which his /her pension/family
pension is being disbursed.

3.
Further with the introduction of
CBS and implementation of CPPC, the pensioner/family pensioner who is desirous
of transferring his/her pension account from one branch to another branch (whether
local or out station) of the same bank should has the option of putting in
his/her request at either of the two branches instead of the present
dispensation wherein transfer request is entertained only at the home branch.
The transfer application will require mentioning both account numbers (in the
old & new branch) with both branch contact details. The branch receiving
the application will scan and register the same to CPPC. CPPC will coordinate
the continuity of disbursement of monthly pension / family pension without any
break.

4.
All banks are hereby directed to
follow the above procedural modifications in pension process and issue
necessary instructions to all concerned accordingly.

5.
This issues with the concurrence
of Department of Pensions & Pensioners Welfare, Ministry of Personnel.
Public Grievances & Pensions and Department of Expenditure, Ministry of
Finance.

sd/-

(Vandana Sharma)

Chief Controller (Pensions)

PERMANENT ABSORPTION OF
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYEES OF THE UNION TERRITORIES IN THE
AUTONOMOUS BODIES OF THE UNION TERRITORIES COUNTING OF SERVICE FOR PENSION.(Click the link below for
details}

SPECTACULAR SUCCESS OF TWO-DAYS STRIKE BY C.G.EMPLOYEES ALONGWITH WORKING CLASS OF INDIA

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS

PRESS STATEMENT

About 8 lakhs Central Government employees took part in the 48 hour (two day) general strike yesterday and today organised by the Indian working class as per the call of the Joint platform of 11 Central Trade Unions of the country. Besides 5 lakh Defence Civilian employees are also reported to have participated in this historic action.

The Strike was total and cent per cent in Income tax and Postal departments. The participation ranged from 60 to 90% in other Government of India organisations except in the Central Secretariat. As per the report, the strike was total in Assam, Tripura, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and 60 to 70% in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and partial in other States.

In Delhi, the Income tax and RMS offices of the Postal Department virtually remained closed. Not a single employee reported for duty in these offices. Many offices of the Civil Accounts and Post offices in Delhi also did not function on these two days.

Many establishments of Printing and Stationery, Indian Bureau of Mines, Geological Survey of India, Medical Depots, Customs, Ground Water Board, ISRO, Directorate of Marketing Inspection, Civil Accounts, Central Public Works Department remained closed throughout the country on both the days.

The National Secretariat of the Confederation places on record its sincere gratitude and appreciation of the efforts undertaken by the State/Branch level leaders to make this historic action of the Indian working class a resounding success by eliciting the total participation of the Central Government employees. The success of the two days strike action will no doubt embolden the employees and workers to chalk out intensified action programme including indefinite strike action to compel the Govt. to rescind the anti-people economic policies pursued since 1991.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

We (NFPE & FNPO) once again
extend our warm greetings and congratulations to all Postal and RMS employees
who made the two days nationwide strike a thundering success. About 1,50,000
Postal and RMS offices including Branch Post offices remained closed for two
days. About more than five lakhs employees including GDS struck work. Though
the strike will be over tonight, the struggle against the anti-worker policies
will continue. Let us keep this unity and fighting spirit intact.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Central JCA (NFPE & FNPO)
congratulates all the Postal and RMS employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks who
participated in the two days strike commenced on 20th Feb and made
it an All TIME HISTORIC SUCCESS. Please keep up this tempo till 21st
evening and ensure cent percent success